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Elina Baltatzi

Organization:
KU Leuven
Country:
Greece

About Me

I started working as a freelance journalist when I was still a student in Communication and Mass Media in Athens. My first story was about a tattoo convention where I got a tattoo in memory of what seemed to be the most cool job ever. I got to go to music festivals and social events while getting paid for it. I still have the tattoo but the dream faded quickly, like most things when you are 20. After two years I decided to go into deep waters and work around politics. I became a news editor and broadcaster for a political radio station two months before the financial crisis hit Greece. On my first day of training I had to broadcast the news live because the anchor called in sick. I thought my heart beating was louder than my voice through the microphone. Luckily, the sound manager was a magician. Ever since I never got bored again. Three years passed with a lot of action, pain and learning. But I wanted to do something more. Some half a dozen of governments and massive protests later I decided to pack my bags and visit in person that place I kept talking about in almost every single one of my news broadcasts: Brussels. I needed to see the other side of the euro coin which had literally taken over our lives with its perks As an touristic country, Greece gives its best salaries to its waiters so I made a stop to an island and waitress ed the way to my dream. It is not easy for a young woman to succeed on her own and stand on her own two feet, even in countries that are considered to be modern and respect equality. However, I made the decision to stop seeing the obstacles and focus on my goal- even if that means that I have to become stronger and tougher. It is inspiring to find a place where women are heard and share their stories with the world. Stories of bringing barriers down, instead of being turned down. Currently, I am studying European Policies & Politics and I am learning to bike and recognize Belgian beer by its taste. I am learning amazing people and I am sharpening my skills any way I can. It is not always easy, but it is life. And the journey continues... Reading, writing, travelling and enjoying the sun Finding the right words in the right time Communication